Last year, my friend Phil asked me and two friends to go on a road trip with him across America – having watched Billy Connelly drive Route 66 on a Harley Davidson.Though a driver for many years, I had never driven abroad or wanted a holiday that involved more than sunbathing and relaxing in a bar. I thought why not… so we booked it.
We received the itinerary two weeks before the holiday and I realised the magnitude of the journey – Chicago in the East to Santa Monica on the West Coast – 2248 miles(ish). What was I thinking…
At the airport, we picked up the car and after ten minutes still couldn’t find the handbrake. We asked where it was and the lady from the hire company just laughed – there isn’t one! Oh no.
Though we had agreed to share the driving between us, Phil offered to drive first as he had driven in the US before. I was so glad it wasn’t me so offered to navigate from the airport to Chicago. The drive was tense – it was rush hour and I didn’t know if I was helping or not, warning of exit lanes and watching for traffic (whilst also sneakily trying to take in the amazing Chicago skyline).
We arrived in the hotel car park – car and friendships intact. Phil thanked me for keeping him calm as it turned out he was so scared about driving he hadn’t slept on the plane and when we arrived decided to just get in the car and drive! At least I wasn’t the only one who was nervous.
As we prepared to drive to St Louis the next morning, Phil said, “I think you need to drive today and get it out of the way, otherwise you will worry about it”.
Gulp.
He was right, i couldn’t put it off. This was it. The car was huge – the controls were unfamiliar (and on the wrong side) and it was an automatic, did i mention no handbrake? I felt the weight of responsibility – not just for me, but my friends, the shiny car and other road users. I was in a panic and couldn’t even see how to move the seat forward!
Taking a deep breath, I put the car into “DRIVE” and tentatively pressed the accelerator, edging onto the main road. I kept checking and double checking lanes and taking no chances at stop signs. I just hoped I didn’t have to turn left for a while!
The rest is history. I didn’t crash – I drove well, in fact, I wanted to drive the rest of the way! I had my moments such as heading straight into oncoming traffic in Oklahoma, but I made it. Don’t get me wrong, we did get lost… a lot, and ended up in ghost towns, dead ends and along dust tracks – but it was all part of the journey and experience we shared.
In the back, Helen and Lorraine were responsible for hospitality, photography and research and provided a running commentary on where we had been and where we were going. Snacks, lorry honking competitions and sing-alongs had us laughing throughout, not forgetting the roadkill chart we monitored along the way. Who knew armadillos were Oklahoma’s equivalent of hedgehogs in the road safety stakes?
I have been home for two weeks. Looking back, I am so pleased I said yes to the holiday. We were a team, working to our strengths and supporting each other when the going got tough (or we forgot which side of the road we should be on). I will keep trying new things, this trip gave me energy and a sense of achievement. Whilst initially uncomfortable, it soon became normal as i stretched my knowledge to fill the gap.
So when you get a chance to go outside of your comfort zone whether in your career or day to day life, why not take it a chance like I did? I guarantee you will have an adventure and if you get lost, you may find an even better way and learn more… it’s where the magic happens!
suzanneshead 